System and method for evaluating a characteristic of body typology

ABSTRACT

A system for evaluating a characteristic of body typology, such as a characteristic of the skin or hair appearance. The system includes a plurality of reference images that can be part of an atlas or can be displayed on a computer screen. The system also includes a portable optical instrument which produces an image of the zone under examination suitable for being compared with one of the reference images.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This document claims priority to French Application No. 0109090filed Jul. 9, 2001, the entire content of which is hereby incorporatedby reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] 1. Field of the Invention

[0003] The present invention relates to evaluating typologicalcharacteristics of the body, in particular characteristics of appearancesuch as, for example, brilliance, color, and cutaneous relief.

[0004] 2. Background of the Invention

[0005] Dermatoscopes with a magnifying system and integrated lightingarrangement are known. Such dermatoscopes, however, are not designed todeliver an image other than a mere magnification of the zone underobservation. In addition, lighting characteristics can vary from onedermatoscope to another. This variation is not of great significancewhen the purpose is to observe a defect of the skin, but which isunsatisfactory when the purpose is to evaluate the characteristics ofappearance such as, for example, brilliance or color.

[0006] Complex systems using video cameras or other electronic sensorsare also known, as described for example in European patent applicationEP-A-0 655 211 and U.S. Pat. No. 5,377,000. Those systems are relativelyexpensive and are ill-suited for widespread distribution, e.g., for useat all points of sale of a product or to enable members of the public toperform evaluations on themselves.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0007] Consequently, there exists a need for a system that is simple touse, relatively inexpensive, and that enables the evaluation ofcharacteristics of body typology, in particular characteristics of skinor hair appearance, for example, characteristics associated with theradiant nature of the complexion or hair, such as brilliance and color.One object of the present invention is to provide such as system.

[0008] The invention achieves this and other objects by providing anovel system for determining the degree of a characteristic of bodytypology, in particular, a characteristic of the skin and/or the hairappearance. The system includes an atlas having a plurality of referenceimages or a system for displaying reference images. The system alsoincludes a portable optical instrument which enables a zone of the skinor the hair to be observed directly. The optical instrument is arrangedto operate under predefined conditions of illumination to produce animage of the zone under examination. The image is suitable for beingcompared with one of the reference images.

[0009] Since the optical instrument of the system of the inventionallows the observation to be performed directly, i.e., by lookingthrough the optical instrument at the zone under examination, withoutany photographic, video, or other electronic acquisition, the opticalinstrument can be manufactured at a cost compatible with widespreaddistribution. According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, theoptical instrument does not have any video system, and the image is notproduced on a video screen.

[0010] Furthermore, since observation can be performed under predefinedconditions of illumination, it is possible to quantify the observedcharacteristic in a manner that is relatively accurate and reproducible.In a particular embodiment, the optical instrument preferably includesan optical system arranged to produce a magnified image of the zoneunder examination. This makes it possible to evaluate characteristics ofthe skin that are difficult to observe with the naked eye, for example,the desquamation thereof.

[0011] In accordance with another embodiment, the optical instrument isarranged to reduce or eliminate the brilliance of at least a portion ofthe zone under examination. This feature facilitates the observation of,for example, the color of the skin or the hair, without being troubledby glinting or glaring reflections. Suppressing or reducing brilliancecan also be useful in observing the color of backscattered light comingfrom deep layers of the skin or the hair because the color can depend onthe state of these layers. In particular, it can be advantageous toobserve the contrast between light that includes both a reflectioncomponent and a backscattered component, and light that essentiallyincludes a backscattered component. This contrast can be achieved, forexample, by illuminating the zone under examination under polarizedlight and by observing it with a polarization analyzer. The analyzer caninclude a rotary polarizer or a pair of polarizers having differentpolarization directions, one of which can be perpendicular to thepolarization direction of the incident light and the other parallel tothe incident light.

[0012] In accordance with another embodiment of the present invention,the zone under examination can be illuminated using a lightingarrangement that allows the zone to be illuminated with incident lightunder different angles of inclination, for example, in order to observeunder diffuse lighting or under a grazing light. With the arrangement ofthe invention, a variety of observation conditions are thus available,making it easier to evaluate one or more particular characteristics ofappearance, for example, by emphasizing the differences between twoimages. Grazing or glancing light can provide information concerningrelief, while diffuse lighting can provide information concerninguniformity of color.

[0013] According to one embodiment, the optical instrument includes atleast one screen suitable for placement between a source of light andthe zone under examination to allow the zone to be illuminated only bylight diffusing beneath the screen in the tissue under examination. Thescreen can be movable, such that it can be moved between a firstposition in which it is distant from a surface adjacent to the zoneunder examination and a second position in contact with the surface.This movable screen makes it possible to observe the skin or the hair bytransillumination, i.e., by lighting a zone of the skin or the hairusing light coming from adjacent zones. The skin or the hair can thenfunction as a light guide, thus making it possible to obtain informationconcerning transparency. This information can be combined, whereappropriate, with other information drawn from previous observationsmade under different lighting conditions. The screen can also bepositioned so as to illuminate the zone under examination with a grazinglight. The screen can have a tubular wall that, in use, extends aroundthe zone under examination. In addition, the screen, which can have anon-circular section, can have a conical or pyramid-shaped portion thatconverges towards the zone under examination. Further, the opticalinstrument can have at least one spring configured to urge the screeninto a rest position when not in use.

[0014] According to another embodiment, the optical instrument can havea reticule making it possible to measure the distance from which lightdiffusion is no longer visible. In accordance with another aspect of anembodiment of the present invention, the optical instrument has at leastone color filter. The filter can be blue in color so as to reveal skinpigmentation, for example.

[0015] The optical instrument can also have at least one polarizer thatcan be placed along the path of the light between a light source and thezone under examination. The optical instrument can also have at leastone polarizer placed along the path of the light between the zone underexamination and an eye of the observer. The optical instrument couldalso include at least two polarizers of different orientations that arejuxtaposed, and that are placed along the path of the light between thezone under examination and the eye of an observer. This feature makes itpossible to observe the contrast between two zones of the image, and totake advantage of the rather high sensitivity of the human eye tocontrast. The optical instrument can have at least one polarizer that ispivotally mounted so as to enable the user to vary the orientation ofits direction of polarization relative to a reference direction. Theoptical instrument can have, for example, a handle incorporating anactuator member such as a knurled knob, for example, enabling theorientation of the polarizer to be varied using the same hand that holdsthe handle.

[0016] The optical instrument can be arranged to allow the zone underexamination to be illuminated under natural light. In an exemplaryembodiment, the optical instrument can include a skirt of transparentplastic material with an edge that can be placed around the zone underexamination.

[0017] The optical instrument can also include at least one integratedlight source. The integrated light source can include at least one lightemitting element, for example, selected from the following: anincandescent lamp; a light emitting diode (LED); and a fluorescent lamp.The optical instrument can have light emitting elements that illuminatedifferent respective wavelength ranges. By way of example, the opticalinstrument can include a source that reproduces the spectralcharacteristics of natural light, possibly including slightly-coloredlight emitting diodes. The optical instrument can have a plurality oflight emitting elements together with a control arrangement whichselectively powers at least a fraction of the light emitting elements.The optical instrument can also include light emitting elements that aredisposed in a circle.

[0018] According to another embodiment, the optical instrument can havea housing for receiving one or more electrical batteries. Such a housingcan have an axis substantially perpendicular to an observation directionfor observing the zone under examination.

[0019] The optical instrument can include a pane which compresses theskin in the zone under examination so as to expel blood therefrom. Sucha pane can be made of glass or of transparent plastic material and itcan optionally be colored. Such a pane be a removable accessory or itcan be an element that is permanently fixed to the optical instrument,with the pane movable between an active position in which it isinterposed between the skin and the light path leading to the observer,and an inactive position in which the pane is not situated in the lightpath leading to the observer. According to another feature, the opticalinstrument can also include a ring to couple a camera to the opticalinstrument.

[0020] In a particular embodiment, the system includes an atlas having aplurality of reference images. These images can be placed on a singlemedium or they can be on media that are bound together. Each image canbe associated with a respective alphanumeric indication. The system canalso include a computer for displaying reference images.

[0021] The invention also provides a method of evaluating acharacteristic of body typology. In a preferred embodiment, the methodcan include the steps of observing the skin or the hair with an opticalinstrument as discussed above; comparing the observed image withreference images; and selecting a reference image. In accordance with anexemplary implementation of the method, the contrast is observed betweenlight including both a reflection component and a backscatteredcomponent and light having essentially a backscattered component. Toachieve this contrast, the method can include the steps of illuminatingthe zone under examination with polarized light and observing it througha polarization analyzer. The reference images can be displayed on acomputer screen, as mentioned above. The reference images can betransmitted to the computer from a server over a computer network, priorto being displayed on the screen.

[0022] The method can also include transmitting an indication that isrepresentative of the selected reference image, for example, to aserver. The server can then be programmed to establish a diagnosis, forexample, or else to recommend a cosmetic or a care product.

[0023] In a particular implementation of the invention, a characteristicof body typology is evaluated, treatment is performed, and then a newevaluation is performed in order to detect any variation in thecharacteristic and determine the effectiveness of the treatment.Preferably, the treatment performed is a cosmetic treatment suitable forhaving an effect on the evaluated characteristic.

[0024] As mentioned above, the same optical instrument can be used toperform at least two types of observation successively orsimultaneously. The observations can include:

[0025] I. observation under diffuse lighting;

[0026] II. observation under grazing light;

[0027] III. observation under directional lighting;

[0028] IV. observation by transillumination;

[0029] V. observation under polarized light using a non-crossedpolarizer;

[0030] VI. observation under polarized light using a crossed polarizer;

[0031] VII. observation while compressing the skin;

[0032] VIII. observation without compressing the skin;

[0033] IX. observation while stretching the skin;

[0034] X. observation without stretching the skin;

[0035] XI. observation while creasing the skin; and

[0036] XII. observation without creasing the skin.

[0037] Particularly desirable observations are I and II, V and VI, VIIand VIII, IX and X, or XI and XII, identified above. When making anobservation by transillumination, it is possible to measure the distancefrom which light diffusion is no longer visible.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0038] A more complete appreciation of the invention and many of theattendant advantages thereof will be readily obtained as the samebecomes better understood by reference to the following detaileddescription when considered in connection with the accompanyingdrawings, wherein:

[0039]FIG. 1 illustrates a fragmentary axial section view through anoptical instrument for implementing the invention;

[0040]FIG. 2 is a fragmentary plan view as seen looking along arrow IIof FIG. 1, showing how the lighting elements are positioned;

[0041]FIG. 3 shows the FIG. 1 device in a configuration for observationunder grazing light;

[0042]FIG. 4 shows the FIG. 1 device in a configuration enablingtransillumination;

[0043]FIG. 5 is a diagrammatic and fragmentary axial section viewthrough a variant of the FIG. 1 device;

[0044]FIG. 6 shows the FIG. 5 device in a configuration providinggrazing lighting;

[0045]FIG. 7 shows the FIG. 5 device in a configuration enablingtransillumination;

[0046]FIG. 8 shows the polarizer of the device of FIGS. 5 to 7 in planview;

[0047]FIG. 9 is a fragmentary plan view showing the analysis polarizerdisk of the device of FIGS. 5 to 7, and also showing how the lightemitters are disposed;

[0048]FIG. 10 shows a variant of the device of FIGS. 5 to 7;

[0049]FIG. 11 is a diagrammatic and fragmentary axial section view ofanother example of an optical instrument for implementing the invention;

[0050]FIG. 12 is a fragmentary plan view of FIG. 11;

[0051]FIG. 13 shows the FIG. 11 device in a grazing light configuration;

[0052]FIG. 14 shows the FIG. 11 device in a configuration that enablestransillumination;

[0053]FIG. 15 shows another example of the device in an explodedperspective view;

[0054]FIG. 16 is a fragmentary end view seen looking along arrow XVI ofFIG. 15;

[0055]FIG. 17 shows a variant of a portion of the FIG. 15 device;

[0056]FIG. 18 is a diagrammatic representation of a brilliance atlas;

[0057]FIG. 19 is a diagrammatic representation of a contrast atlas;

[0058]FIG. 20 is a diagrammatic representation of a skin dryness atlas;

[0059]FIG. 21 illustrates an atlas embodied in the form of a set ofimages that are bound to one another;

[0060]FIG. 22 is a diagram showing a computer enabling reference imagesto be displayed on a screen; and

[0061]FIG. 23 is a diagram showing a computer suitable for displayingreference images connected to a remote server according to anotherembodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0062] Referring now to the drawings in which like referenced numbersdesignate like parts throughout the various views, the opticalinstrument 10 shown in FIGS. 1 to 4 is for observing the skin P or thehair. The arrangement includes a support 11 which is placed on thesurface to be observed, an assembly 12 movable relative to the support11 along an axis X, and a handle 13 that allows the instrument to beheld by a user. In a preferred embodiment, the handle 13 is fixedrelative to the support 11 and can include one or more optionallyrechargeable batteries 14.

[0063] A resilient return system acts between the support 11 and themovable assembly 12 so as to urge the assembly 12 toward a rest positioncorresponding to FIG. 1 in which the assembly 12 is pressed against thehandle 13. In the example shown, this return system includes a pluralityof springs 15 working in compression, with each having one end bearingagainst a shoulder of the support 11 and an opposite end bearing againstthe assembly 12.

[0064] The assembly 12 can include a plurality of light emitters 17. Inthe example illustrated white light emitting diodes are distributed allaround the axis X, as shown in FIG. 2, so as to produce either diffuselighting of the zone Z under examination when all of the light emittersare powered, or lighting in one or more particular directions, when onlya fraction of the light emitters are powered. The light emitters 17 canbe powered electrically, for example, by the batteries 14 via a powersupply circuit 30, which is represented diagrammatically orschematically for clarity. The power supply circuit 30 is connected to acontrol circuit 31. Observation is performed via a tube 18 of the movingassembly 12.

[0065] An optical element 23 is placed on the path of light between thelight emitters 17 and the zone Z under examination. In the exampleshown, this optical element 23 includes a translucent annular piecewhich can be colorless or colored. This optical element can function asa diffuser. The tube 18 is extended downwards by a screen 27 having afree edge 28, which defines the field of observation. The opticalinstrument 10 enables the same surface to be observed under differentlighting conditions in succession.

[0066] In the configuration shown in FIG. 1, the zone Z underexamination can be illuminated in diffuse and omnidirectional manner byall of the light emitters 17. The screen 27 can be moved towards thezone Z under examination because the assembly 12 is movable relative tothe support 11, as shown in FIG. 3. As seen in FIG. 3, the bottom edge28 of the screen 27 has moved by exerting sufficient downward pressureon the assembly 12 to overcome the action of the return springs 15. Thisfeature enables the zone Z under examination to be illuminated withgrazing light, which more clearly reveals the relief of the skin or thehair and increases brilliance.

[0067] The user also has the option of pressing fully against theassembly 12 so as to bring the screen 27 into contact with the surfaceof the skin or the hair, as shown in FIG. 4. Under this configuration,the zone Z under examination is illuminated solely by transillumination,i.e., by light diffusing through the tissue under observation. Thisconfiguration provides information concerning the transparency of thetissue, its color, and the extent to which it is irrigated by blood.

[0068] The electrical power delivered to the light emitters 17 canremain unchanged between the various observations. The control circuit31 can include merely an electrical switch providing on/off control ofpower delivery to all of the light emitters 17, or it can be morecomplex. For example, the circuit 31 can power only some of the lightemitters 17 in selective manner in order to obtain directional orpluridirectional lighting that can be stationary or rotating. If thelight emitters are LEDs of different colors or capable of emittingvarious different wavelengths, the circuit 31 can modify the spectralcharacteristics of the light illuminating the zone under examination.

[0069] FIGS. 5 to 7 show an optical instrument 10′ according to anotherembodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment, the instrument10′ includes a body 16′ which is stationary and a screen 27′ which ismovable relative to the body 16′ along the axis X in order to modify thelighting conditions applied to the zone Z under observation. Forexample, the lighting conditions can be switched betweenmultidirectional diffuse lighting and grazing light, as shown in FIG. 6,and lighting by transillumination, as shown in FIG. 7.

[0070] A polarizer 23′ shown on its own in FIG. 8 is placed on the pathof the light from the light emitters 17′ and the zone Z underobservation. This polarizer 23′ can be annular in shape and can providepolarization in a single direction, as represented by arrows in FIG. 8.Of course, the polarizer 23′ can have other shapes and otherpolarization.

[0071] The screen 27′ is mounted to slide on a tube 18′. The tube 18′supports lenses 20′ and 21′, and polarizers 24′ and 25′. The screen 27′can be moved using a tab 30′ which projects out from the instrumentthrough a slot 31′ in the body 16′ on which the light emitters 17′ aremounted. The light emitters 17′ can be arranged in the same manner asthe light emitters 17 in the assembly of FIGS. 1-4. An advantage of theinstrument 10′ is that, while changing the lighting configuration bymoving the screen 27′, the distance between the zone under examinationand the lenses 20′, 21 ′ does not change.

[0072] In the example under consideration, each of the two polarizers24′ and 25′ is in the form of a half-disk. The two half-disks areconnected together via their bases so as to form a single disk forpolarization analysis. This disk is placed on the light path in the tube18′ in the image focal plane of the lens 20′. The polarizationdirections of the polarizers 24′ and 25′ are perpendicular to each otherand are represented by the arrows in FIG. 9.

[0073] The polarization analyzer including the polarizers 24′ and 25′provides one half-image with brilliance and another half-image withoutbrilliance by selecting the direction of polarization of one of thehalf-disks 24′ and 25′ to be parallel to the polarization direction ofthe polarizer 23′. Where appropriate, the polarizers 24′ and 25′ arereplaced by a single polarizer mounted to turn about the axis X so as tobe capable firstly of making its polarization direction coincide withthe polarization direction of the incident light and secondly of makingits direction of polarization extend perpendicularly to the polarizationdirection of the polarizer 23′. The two-part polarization analyzer 24′,25′ provides an image that is contrasted, so as to take advantage of thehigh sensitivity of the human eye to contrast.

[0074] As shown in FIG. 10, each instrument 10 or 10′ can include a pane35 through which observation is performed. This pane 35 can be made of aplastic material. The pane 35 can have, for example, a rim 36 enablingthe pane 35 to be put into position on the instrument 10 and 10′. Thepane 35 can be a removable accessory or a retractable accessory,remaining secured to the instrument in its retracted position. When inplace on the instrument, the pane 35 compresses the skin and expelsblood from it. The pane allows observations on the skin while reducingthe incidence of blood color on skin color. It is possible to performone series of observations without the pane 35 and another series ofoperations with the pane 35 under various types of lighting orpolarization, and then to compare the results to extract usefulinformation therefrom.

[0075] Compared with the instruments 10 and 10′ described above, FIGS.11, 13, and 14 show an instrument 40 without integrated lighting. Thus,while these embodiments provide arrangements for exposing the zone underexamination with light, the structure of the instrument need not itselfinclude a light source, as the light source can be provided separately.The instrument 40 includes a body 41 which is extended downwards by atransparent skirt 42. The body 41 serves as a support for an opticalassembly including lenses 43 and 44 carried by a tube 45 andsnap-fastened in the body 41. The optical assembly also includes areticule 46 enabling a distance to be measured on the zone underexamination. By way of example, FIG. 12 shows a reticule printed on aglass plate 47 placed on the path of light coming from the zone underexamination. A color filter 46 is removably mounted in the body 41. Inthe example shown, the filter is blue so as to emphasize, if so desired,spots of pigmentation.

[0076] A screen constituted by an opaque ring 48 is slidably mounted onthe body 41 and the transparent skirt 42. The ring 48 moves between afully retracted position corresponding to FIG. 11 in which the ring 48does not cover the transparent skirt 42, an intermediate positioncorresponding to FIG. 13, in which the ring 48 covers a major fractionof the transparent skirt 42 so as to allow grazing light only on thezone under examination, and a position in which the ring 48 is fullylowered as shown in FIG. 14 where the ring covers the entire transparentskirt 42 and enables illumination to be performed by transillumination.

[0077] In the example shown, projections 49 and 50 are formed on thebody 41 and the transparent skirt 42 so as to enable the skirt 48 to beheld stationary in each of the above-described configurations. Otherpositioning mechanisms can be used so as to position the screen 48 atvarious positions along the skirt 42. These positions are not intendedto be limited to three or some other number, but can be any positionbetween the fully retracted position and the fully covered position.When the zone under examination is observed by transillumination, theobserver can use the reticule 46 to measure the distance beyond whichlight diffusion is no longer visible, and thereby gain informationconcerning the transparency of the skin.

[0078]FIG. 15 shows another embodiment of an observation device 120 madein accordance with the invention. The device 120 includes a light source122, an endpiece 123, and an optical assembly 121. The light source 122includes a handle 124 forming a housing containing one or moreoptionally rechargeable batteries, and an open portion 127 in which theoptical assembly 121 can be engaged.

[0079] The optical assembly includes an eyepiece 128 having one or morelenses (not shown) so as to produce a magnified image, together with apolarizer. The light source 122 includes a selector 126 configured tocontrol the light emitted by the light source 122. For example, theselector 126 can be configured to control the light intensity so thatthe zone for observation can be illuminated with two different lightintensities. The selector 126 can also be configured to control the typeof light so that the zone for observation can be illuminated with two ormore different types of lighting, e.g. one type simulating daylight andanother type simulating incandescent lighting.

[0080] By way of example, the endpiece 123 is preferably frustoconicalin shape having a base 129 of diameter greater than the field ofobservation of the optical assembly 121. In the example shown, thediameter of the base 129 is about 40 millimeters (mm) and that of thefield of observation is about 30 mm, of course other dimensions arewithin the scope of the present invention. The dimensions can bedesigned to reduce or avoid contact pressure between the endpiece 123and the skin having an influence on the appearance of the zone situatedin the field of observation. It is possible to provide magnetic fixingbetween the endpiece 123 and the light source 122. In addition, by wayof example, the endpiece 123 can include a magnetized metal ring. At itsend which comes into contact with the skin, the endpiece 123 can includea removable ring.

[0081] As can be seen in FIG. 16, the light source 122 includes aplurality of light sources 130. For example, the light sources can belight emitting diodes 130. Each of the diodes 130 can be positioned onan axis substantially parallel to that of the optical assembly 121. Thelight emitting diodes 130 can be covered by a polarizer 131. The heightof the endpiece 123 can be selected so that the illumination on the zoneof the skin situated in the field of observation is substantiallyuniform. As shown in FIG. 17, the device 120 can include a knurled knob133 enabling the user to turn the optical assembly 121 with the samehand as is used for holding the handle 124.

[0082] The observation device 120 can be used as discussed next. Theendpiece 123 and the optical assembly 121 can be put into place on thelight source 122, after which the user can turn the optical assembly 121relative to the light source so that the polarizer contained in theoptical assembly 121 has the same polarization direction as thepolarizer 131 or has a direction that is substantially perpendicularthereto. This makes it possible to observe the skin successively withbrilliance and without brilliance. In another embodiment, the opticalassembly 121 has two juxtaposed polarizers with directions ofpolarization that are perpendicular, similar to the example describedabove with reference to FIG. 9.

[0083] Each image observed using one of the optical instrumentsdescribed above, can be compared with a reference image of an atlasincluding a plurality of reference images. For example, the atlas caninclude images expressing varying degrees of different characteristicsof body typology, in particular the brilliance or the color of the skin,or images corresponding to various degrees of contrast. FIG. 18 is adiagrammatic representation of a brilliance atlas including a pluralityof reference images 60 each corresponding to a different degree of skinbrilliance, and quantified by an alphanumeric identifier 61.

[0084]FIG. 19 is a diagrammatic representation of a contrast atlas, i.e.showing differences in luminosity or color, including a plurality ofreference images 70, corresponding to various degrees of contrast ordifference that are likely to be observed when using a polarizationanalyzer of the kind formed by the half-disks 24′, 25′ as describedabove. These images 70 are associated with alphanumeric identifiers 71enabling them to be identified.

[0085]FIG. 20 is a diagrammatic representation of an atlas of skindryness, including a plurality of images 80 each associated with analphanumeric identifier 81. The images 80 express various degrees ofskin dryness, going from severe desquamation, characteristic ofextremely dry skin, to no desquamation, representing normal skin.

[0086] The reference images in an atlas can be printed on a commonmedium, or a plurality of media can be bound together, as shown in FIG.21. Reference images can also be displayed on the screen of a computer110, as shown in FIG. 22, each image being associated with analphanumeric identifier. The results of an evaluation can be transmittedremotely to a server 100 over a computer network, in particular theInternet, from the computer 110, as shown in FIG. 23. The server 100 canbe configured to provide a diagnosis as a function of the resultstransmitted to it, and where appropriate to recommend a cosmetic or careproduct.

[0087] When the reference images are displayed on the screen of acomputer, these images can be transmitted by the server 100 after theuser has connected to the corresponding Internet site. The invention canbe implemented in such a manner as to track the effectiveness of acourse of treatment, with evaluation being performed after each stage oftreatment, and with the results of successive evaluations beingcompared.

[0088] Because of the possibility of using a single optical instrumentto obtain information concerning brilliance, color, relief, andtransparency, and by using an atlas that enables such information to bequantified, the present invention makes it possible to create amulti-vector databank bringing together vectors each corresponding to aparticular individual, each vector having at least two components eachconstituted by the result of an observation performed using the sameoptical instrument.

[0089] Naturally, the invention is not limited to the examples describedabove and the structure of the optical instrument can be modified, inparticular by replacing the light emitting diodes with other lightingsources, such as incandescent lamps or fluorescent lamps, for example.When a screen is used for observation by transillumination, the screencan be constituted by a separate element that is releasably applied tothe optical instrument.

[0090] Obviously, numerous modifications and variations of the presentinvention are possible in light of the above teachings. It is thereforeto be understood that within the scope of the appended claims, theinvention may be practiced otherwise than as specifically describedtherein.

What is claim as new and desired to be secured by Letters Patent of theUnited States is:
 1. A system for evaluating a characteristic of bodytypology, comprising: at least one of (a) an atlas having a plurality ofreference images, and (b) means for displaying a plurality of referenceimages; and a portable optical instrument which enables a zone of a bodyto be observed directly and which produces an image of said zone, saidimage being suitable for a comparison with one of said reference images.2. A system according to claim 1, wherein said system includes saidatlas of said plurality of references.
 3. A system according to claim 1,wherein said system includes said means for displaying said pluralityreferences.
 4. A system according to claim 1, wherein said opticalinstrument is arranged to produce a magnified image of the zone underexamination.
 5. A system according to claim 1, wherein the opticalinstrument is arranged to expose the zone under examination to diffuselighting.
 6. A system according to claim 1, wherein the opticalinstrument is arranged to expose the zone under examination todirectional lighting.
 7. A system according to claim 1, wherein theoptical instrument is arranged to expose the zone under examination tograzing light.
 8. A system according to claim 1, wherein the opticalinstrument comprises at least one screen suitable for being interposedbetween a light source and the zone under examination.
 9. A systemaccording to claim 8, wherein said screen exposes the zone underexamination to lighting by transillumination.
 10. A system according toclaim 8, wherein the screen is movable from a first position at whichthe screen is remote from a surface surrounding the zone underexamination and a second position at which the screen comes into contactwith said surface.
 11. A system according to claim 8, wherein the screenis movable to a position so that the zone under examination isilluminated by grazing light.
 12. A system according to claim 8, whereinthe screen comprises a tubular wall extending around the zone underexamination.
 13. A system according to claim 12, wherein the screencomprises a portion that is conical or pyramid-shaped, convergingtowards the zone under examination.
 14. A system according to claim 8,wherein the screen is movable, and wherein the optical instrumentcomprises at least one spring which urges the screen toward a restposition.
 15. A system according to claim 1, wherein the opticalinstrument comprises at least one color filter.
 16. A system accordingto claim 15, wherein the filter has a blue color.
 17. A system accordingto claim 1, wherein the optical instrument comprises at least onepolarizer.
 18. A system according to claim 17, wherein the opticalinstrument comprises at least one polarizer placed on the path of lightbetween a light source and the zone under examination.
 19. A systemaccording to claim 17, wherein the optical instrument comprises at leastone polarizer placed on the path of the light between the zone underexamination and an observer's eye.
 20. A system according to claim 1,wherein the optical instrument comprises at least two polarizers ofdifferent orientations that are juxtaposed and placed on the path oflight between the zone under examination and an observer's eye.
 21. Asystem according to claim 1, wherein the optical instrument comprises atleast one pivotally-mounted polarizer so as to enable a user to modifythe orientation of its direction of polarization relative to a referencedirection.
 22. A system according to claim 1, wherein the opticalinstrument is arranged to expose the zone under examination to naturallight.
 23. A system according to claim 22, wherein the opticalinstrument comprises a skirt of transparent plastic material, the skirthaving an edge extending around said zone under examination.
 24. Asystem according to claim 1, wherein the optical instrument comprises atleast one integrated light source.
 25. A system according to claim 24,wherein the integrated light source comprises at least one lightemitting element selected from the group consisting of an incandescentlamp, a light emitting diode, and a fluorescent lamp.
 26. A systemaccording to claim 25, wherein the optical instrument comprises lightemitting elements emitting light in respective different wavelengthranges.
 27. A system according to claim 24, wherein the opticalinstrument comprises a plurality of light emitting elements and controlmeans for selectively powering at least a fraction of said lightemitting elements.
 28. A system according to claim 24, wherein theoptical instrument comprises light emitting elements disposed in acircle.
 29. A system according to claim 24, wherein the opticalinstrument comprises a housing for enclosing one or more electricbatteries.
 30. A system according to claim 29, wherein the housing hasan axis substantially perpendicular to an observation direction forobserving the zone under examination.
 31. A system according to claim 1,wherein the optical instrument comprises a pane which compresses theskin in the zone under examination so as to expel blood therefrom.
 32. Asystem according to claim 31, wherein said pane is removable.
 33. Asystem according to claim 32, wherein the reference images are placed ona single medium.
 34. A system according to claim 1, wherein each of saidreference images is associated with an alphanumeric indication.
 35. Asystem according to claim 3, wherein the means for displaying saidreference images comprises a computer.
 36. A system according to claim1, wherein the optical instrument comprises a reticule.
 37. A method ofevaluating a characteristic of a body, comprising the steps of:observing an image of skin or hair with the system of claim 1; comparingthe observed image with said reference images; and selecting one of saidreference images.
 38. A method according to claim 37, wherein the stepof observing comprises observing a contrast between light whichcomprises both a reflected component and a backscattered component andlight which essentially comprises a backscattered component.
 39. Amethod according to claim 38, further comprising the steps of:illuminating the zone under examination with polarized light; andobserving said zone with a polarization analyzer.
 40. A method accordingto claim 37, further comprising displaying the reference images on ascreen of a computer.
 41. A method according to claim 40, furthercomprising transmitting said reference images to the computer from aserver over a computer network prior to the displaying step.
 42. Amethod according to claim 41, further comprising the step oftransmitting to the server an indication representative of the selectedreference image.
 43. A method according to claim 37, wherein a sameoptical instrument is used successively or simultaneously to perform atleast two types of observation selected from the group consisting of:observation under diffuse lighting; observation under grazing light;observation under directional lighting; observation bytransillumination; observation under polarized light using a non-crossedpolarizer; observation under polarized light using a crossed polarizer;observation while compressing the skin; observation without compressingthe skin; observation while stretching the skin; observation withoutstretching the skin; observation while creasing the skin; andobservation without creasing the skin.
 44. A method according to claim37, further comprising the steps of performing a cosmetic treatment; andobserving another image of said skin or hair in order to detect anychange in said characteristic and to determine the effectiveness of thecosmetic treatment.
 45. A method according to claim 43, wherein the stepof observing is performed by transillumination and further comprisingthe step of measuring a distance beyond which light diffusion is nolonger visible.
 46. A system for evaluating a characteristic of bodytypology, comprising: a portable device which provides an image of azone of a body; and a plurality of reference images expressing varyingdegrees of said characteristic of body typology.
 47. A system of claim46, wherein said reference images express varying degrees of skinbrilliance.
 48. A system of claim 46, wherein said reference imagesexpress varying degrees of skin color.
 49. A system of claim 46, whereinsaid reference images express varying degrees of skin dryness.
 50. Asystem of claim 46, wherein said reference images express varyingdegrees of hair brilliance.
 51. A system of claim 46, wherein saidreference images express varying degrees of hair color.
 52. A system ofclaim 46, wherein said reference images are contrast images.
 53. Asystem of claim 46, wherein said reference images are grouped in anatlas.
 54. A system of claim 46, wherein said reference images arestored in a memory.
 55. A system of claim 54, further comprising acomputer comprising said memory and which displays said reference imageson a screen.
 56. A system of claim 54, further comprising a computernetwork comprising a computer and a server, wherein said servercomprises said memory and is connected to said computer.
 57. A system ofclaim 56, wherein: said network transmits said reference images to saidcomputer; and said computer displays said reference images.
 58. A systemof claim 57, wherein said computer transmits a result of a comparisonbetween said image of said zone and said reference images to saidnetwork.
 59. A system of claim 58, wherein said network transmits adiagnostic to said computer based on said result.
 60. A system of claim58, wherein said server transmits a recommendation for a cosmeticproduct to said computer.